Norton launches Wi-Fi Privacy in India; to prevent hacking

Norton by Symantec has announced the launch of Norton Wi-Fi Privacy in India, a powerful, yet easy-to-use solution for Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad devices that helps shield consumers' information from hackers snooping on unsecured wireless (Wi-Fi) networks.

According to the 2016 Norton Cyber Security Insights Report, more than one fourth of Indians (27 percent percent) claim that they regularly use public Wi-Fi and in general, 70 percent of Indians say public Wi-Fi is useful for checking emails, sending documents and logging into accounts on the go.

While most Indians are aware of the risks, with 59 percent acknowledging that they would not enter financial information online while connected to a public Wi-Fi, only 56 percent are unable to determine if the Wi-Fi network they are using is secure. Only 45 percent use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

"Consumers are often overly complacent when it comes to using public Wi-Fi networks, believing that nothing will happen to them," said country manager Consumer Business Unit, Symantec, India, Ritesh Chopra.

"Norton Wi-Fi Privacy helps protect information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, and denies access to hackers who may be eavesdropping on the same network," added Chopra.

Can you really trust your hotspot?

What turns people into easy targets is confusion about the security of public Wi-Fi networks. Most people assume that all Wi-Fi networks available in public places like airports, hotels and cafes have security built-in. That's not always the case. When consumers log onto an unsecure network, hackers can steal information as it travels across the web, sell it on the dark web for profit or even use the information to drain consumer bank accounts.

Another common tactic, known as the rogue access point attack, is for cybercriminals can to set up their own public Wi-Fi network and trick users into joining it. Users may end up supplying your information to the cybercriminal, and once they are on the spoofed hotspot, they may be redirected to other fraudulent or virus-laden websites, or even be tricked into providing credit card numbers or other identifying information.

To combat this, Norton Wi-Fi Privacy uses sophisticated encryption technology and scrambles consumer information to help protect their information and identity online.

Consumers Unaware of the Risk

Nearly half (45 percent) of consumers connect to a Wi-Fi network using VPN regularly; others can potentially allow a hacker to steal data as it travels on the network.

One in four Indian consumers (27 percent) use public Wi-Fi connections, yet only 56 percent think they know how to determine whether the Wi-Fi network they are using is secure.

Consumers are still willing to click on links from senders they don't know or open malicious attachments. When presented with a fraudulent and legitimate email, one in three (33 percent) cannot identify a phishing email.